Stainless steel Rolex ref. 8171 perpetual "Padallone" automatic wristwatch. Made 1950

Information

• Brand: Rolex
• Made: 1950
• Model: Padellone
• Reference: 8171
• Calibre: A295 CPL
• Movement: Automatic
• Material: Stainless steel
• Features/complications: Triple date calendar with moonphases
• Dial: Silvered dial with outer calendar and minute track featuring applied mirror polished steel Rolex crown logo at 12 o'clock with week day and month aperture displayed below, arrow shaped hour indices and bullet quarters with subsidiary seconds and moonphase aperture at 6 o'clock with mirror polished Dauphine hour and minute hands and calendar date indicator hand
• Case dimensions: 38 mm
• Bracelet/strap: Leather strap 
• Accessories: N/A
• Web reference: 3264

Essay

The reference 8171 is one of the most legendary timepieces produced by Rolex for a short period of time between 1949 and 1952 featuring a triple date calendar with moon phases. A significant feature is the size of the 38mm case which is lovingly called the "Padellone", which translates to "large frying pan" in Italian. A number of dial variants were introduced resembling an ‘upside down frying pan’ and creates the illusion of a two-tone finish.

The reference 8171, were produced in 18ct rose and yellow gold and in stainless steel.